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Was it just an act?
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2024-10-29 19:42:56Related chapters
Billionaire substitute bride Honey, you’re here
The next morning, Mia woke up early. This time, she didn't go to Luna's room. Instead, she covered her neck with a scarf, donned a mask and a baseball cap, and slipped out the door.On set.As soon as Director Grant saw Maria, he called her over. "Mia, your scenes will mainly take place in the billiard room today. We finally get to witness your incredible performance."Maria gave an embarrassed smile. "Director Grant, I'm so flattered..."Director Grant let out a hearty laugh. "Alright, Mia, no need to be modest. The script calls for it, so give us a good show, alright? Try to make your moves look as smooth as possible, got it?"The glamor of movie magic doesn't quite align with the ordinary routine of a billiard game.The focus is on striking a pose, not on whether the balls pocket or not.Maria, with a smile, acknowledged this and headed for the changing room.While she switched outfits, Director Grant had his crew prepare the set, awaiting her return.When she stepped out dressed i
Billionaire substitute bride So what?
Silently, Charles pulled his suit jacket collar around Maria, enveloping her in its folds.Without a word, he abruptly turned to face Director Grant. "Did you have her dress like this just to play pool?"Caught off guard, Director Grant smiled nervously, "Young Master Smith, it's for the plot...""What plot?"Charles snatched the cue stick from Maria’s hand and tossed it to the floor. The loud clatter startled everyone in the room.Young Master Smith's anger was truly terrifying. With his dark eyes filled with icy rage, he stared at Director Grant, his face frosted with anger. "Director Grant, as a top-tier director, do you depend on exploiting your actresses to build your reputation?"Director Grant was left speechless, his face flushing red then pale.Of course, his fame wasn't built on exploiting actresses; he had genuine talent.But he couldn't explain this to Charles, so he just chuckled awkwardly, "Young Master Smith, Mia is playing a cold-blooded assassin who disguises herself.
Billionaire substitute bride I admit my mistake
At this moment, Maria sat in Charles' car, her heart pounding in her chest.She was not blind to the anger that Director Grant had displayed earlier. His rage was only held back because of Charles' presence."Charles..." she began, biting her lower lip softly. "Do you think Director Grant will be upset and replace Mia’s role?"After all, no director would like a disobedient actress, let alone tolerate a trouble maker on set.Charles glanced at her, as she was still dressed in the outfit from the set, and he frowned deeply. "Ria, you're a girl. Should you really give in when they ask you to dress like this? Don't you have any say in it?""No," Maria shook her head, trying to explain. "As an actress, shouldn't we follow the director's guidance?""Huh..." Charles laughed in spite of his irritation. "So, if he told you to undress, would you?""Absolutely not!" Maria instinctively covered herself. "I have my own limits. There are things I will never do."Suddenly, her phone beeped twice.
Billionaire substitute bride Promise
Maria pouted slightly, amazed at how quickly Director Grant's attitude had changed.It was extraordinary considering how everyone on the set had to cater to his every whim, no one daring to even raise their voice at him.He was the king of the set; his word was law But now, here he was, groveling before her. It was quite the dramatic change...Seeing that she had the upper hand, Maria feigned a sigh of resignation, "Alright... If Director Grant insists, I agree with that.""Haha, fantastic!"Director Grant's voice sounded ecstatic, " Sorry to bother you and Young Master Smith. Mia, don't forget to bring the bill tomorrow for reimbursement." And with that, he hung up, clearly elated.Only then did Maria break into a joyful smile, "Hee hee... I've never seen Director Grant being so meek."Charles took the phone, slipping it back into his pocket.Seeing Maria’s face light up in a hamster-like grin, he couldn't help but smile.Suddenly, he reached over and took Maria’s phone, "Unlock it
Billionaire substitute bride Surveillance device
Charles didn't want a repeat of the time he found Maria in the rain. If anything had happened to her then, he would never have forgiven himself. Now that their relationship was growing closer, and Maria was showing him more trust, he felt it was time to say that.However, after he spoke, watching Maria’s face darken, he felt a pang of regret. After all, their relationship had grown quite intimate, but it hadn't crossed that final line yet. "Ria...""I agree!" Maria interrupted him, her face tense as if she was facing a formidable enemy. "I know you're worried about me, so I don't mind you watching over me, but..." At this point, her full, pink lips pursed tightly. She struggled for a moment before continuing, "If... if you see something... can you promise not to get angry, not to blow up?"Charles was taken aback. "What?" Maria stomped her foot in frustration. How was she supposed to tell Charles about Mia’s betrayal?These past few days, she hadn't seen Alexander, but she had a
Billionaire substitute bride Which cue stick is mine?
As the dawn broke, Maria finished her morning routine and picked up her bag to head out.Just as she opened her door, a figure darted into her sight. Startled, she stepped back, only for her hand to be grabbed the next moment."Mimi..."Luna pulled her out of the room, peeking inside before cautiously closing the door."Why didn't you reply to my messages yesterday?"Maria, acting as if they were co-conspirators, led Luna to the elevators."I was with Charles all day, so how could I reply? I didn't even dare to check my messages."Luna cast a meaningful glance at Maria. She couldn't believe Maria still might be oblivious to the fact that Charles knew the truth about her and Mia.With this thought, Luna shook her head, her expression filled with a mock despair."You really made a mess yesterday. Thankfully, Director Grant doesn't dare to offend Charles. Otherwise, if Mimi lost her role, you'd be in a real jam."Maria just chuckled lightly.At the elevator, Luna pressed the button and
Billionaire substitute bride Why should I bet with you?
Maria was quite certain she had never met the man before. He had not appeared at the banquet that night nor during the filming of the past few days. She hadn't the slightest clue what she could've done to offend him.Looking towards Director Grant with a puzzled expression, she questioned, "Director Grant, who is him...?"Director Grant let out a hearty laugh, patting his belly, "Ah, Mia, here's the thing. You're a hobbyist, not a professional. So, for the sake of the film's quality, I specially hired this gentleman, an amateur pool champion."Pausing for a moment, he added with a polite smile, "Don't take it the wrong way, Mia. I'm not saying you're bad at the pool. But San Diego is a small place, and we really don't know what the standard of the reigning 'Angel' is. So just for our film quality, you understand, right?"Maria did understand. She was generally easygoing, seldom taking offense unless deliberately provoked."I see, Director Grant. In that case, let's get started.""Go
Billionaire substitute bride And admit that you’re a loser!
Maria’s laughter echoed in the room, a mix of amusement and disbelief. "Why should I compensate you? Haven't you already been paid by Director Grant?"Maria had become a precious asset in Director Grant's eyes, and he wouldn't stand by while she was mistreated.He bristled at Samuel Wright's audacity, his face hardening. "Samuel Wright! Stop making a fuss. I know we delayed a day, but I compensated you. You've done nothing and received a good sum. You should feel lucky!"Samuel's anger stemmed from the fact that despite being hired for a handsome sum, he had not been valued. Hearing Director Grant air his grievance in front of the entire crew, suggesting he had somehow benefited unfairly, only stoked his rage."Who needs your money? What I value is my time! Do you know how much I can make by playing a game? The money you gave me isn't even worth my time!""If it's not worth your time, why are you here?" Director Grant, known for his temper, wasn't one to be disrespected.He stepped f
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Billionaire substitute bride Until death, we were always confused
After leaving the banquet courtyard, Maria and Charles got into a sightseeing car and headed towards the Lesser family gate.Along the way, Charles remained silent, his thin lips pressed into a straight line, and his face looked terrifyingly solemn.Maria also didn't say anything. She held his hand tightly as if she wanted to give him her strength.Even when they got into their own car, Charles didn't say a word. He just gently rested his head on Maria’s shoulder, like an injured child.**********Back at the villa, Maria fetched a bottle of red wine, opened it, and took out two glasses. She tilted her head at Charles."Let's go and drink in the room."She smiled and raised the wine bottle in her hand. Charles noticed and finally relaxed the corners of his tightly pressed lips.He stood up and laughed softly, "How is one bottle enough? You are never drunk after a thousand cups."Maria looked at him speechlessly, seeing him take out two more bottles of red wine. She felt like things wer
Billionaire substitute bride Goodbye
Eva had been with Eric for more than twenty years, and she had no doubt about his feelings for her. Moreover, Eric always took good care of her and loved her deeply. If there was any rift between them, it was Charles.For the past twenty years, she had always been cautious in protecting their relationship, never inquiring about any news about Charles. That's why they had been living in harmony, until Mia came to Beijing. She had started investigating Charles' affairs under the old lady's orders.And since then, she felt that Eric had become more and more distant from her, a distance that she couldn't close no matter what she did.Now that Charles had come to Beijing, she had to make a choice between Eric and Charles. She didn't want to, but she had to…"Eric…"Her voice trembled as she pleaded, looking at him. "Can't you…?""No!"Those two resolute words instantly crushed the only hope in Eva heart.On one side was her husband, and on the other was her biological son, and she owed C
Billionaire substitute bride Eric
David and Hamya exchanged glances as they heard this. It was as if they had made a decision. They immediately said in unison, "We want to go too!""Huh?"Charles looked at them with confusion.David patted his stomach and smiled at Charles, "Young Master Smith, I wonder if your company is in need of pianists? What do you think of me?"Hamya chuckled and nodded, "I think I can do it too. Young Master Smith, please consider signing both of us. We don't ask for much, just a chance to perform in top music halls."David was worried that Charles would disagree, so he put on an even more sincere smile. "Ah yeah, haha... We just feel that Patrick is not enough on his own. With Hamya and I joining, after all, we have better qualifications than him. When the three great piano masters embark on anglobal tour together, and with Maria and Linda, it will be twice as successful.""Exactly!"Hamya laughed happily, "Young Master Smith, a single concert takes too long, Patrick won't be able to handle i
Billionaire substitute bride Butterfly Lover
The two of them walked onto the stage and sat down at the piano. Maria raised her head and exchanged a glance with Linda, who placed her hands on the keys.The young pianists were curious about what music Maria and Linda would play. This was the second round of the training camp's open competition, and they usually wouldn't get to hear it.Suddenly, the piano played a melancholic melody, carrying a touch of elegance in the air, instantly striking at people's hearts!"This is..."Some couldn't remain calm instantly. "Butterfly Lovers?!""Is that possible? Butterfly Lovers arranged as a piano piece?""Yes, everyone knows that Butterfly Lovers is best played on the guqin, or the zheng would also work. It's my first time hearing it played on the piano.""Hey, no, this version of Butterfly Lovers has been adapted for piano. It suits the instrument perfectly while still preserving the essence of the original piece. It's absolutely refreshing!"After a few seconds of discussion, an unexpect
Billionaire substitute bride Teacher David
Two days later, Maria and Linda arrive at the venue of the exchange conference in their finest attire.They hand over their invitation cards and wait for the security guard to check them.Suddenly, a mocking voice comes from beside them, "Oh oh, who is this? Linda!? Am I mistaken?"The one speaking is Linda manager, and standing next to her is the pianist signed by Linda economic company."Aria, you're not mistaken, isn't that Linda herself?"Hearing their voices, Linda's face darkens. She turns her head and glares at them, "Aria, your eyesight is really not good, you can't even recognize me. You should go to the hospital to have your eyes checked."Aria originally wanted to embarrass Linda, but she didn't expect her to retort so sharply. She immediately gets furious."Linda, the company didn't give you an invitation card. Tell me, where did you steal it from?""Hehe..."Linda raises her chin triumphantly, holding Maria's arm. "Do I need the company to give me one? Just look at who's
Billionaire substitute bride Great!
After arriving in Beijing, the feeling of uneasiness never appeared again, and Maria felt an indescribable relief.Charles had sent someone to take Andrew back to the Lesser family, while Patrick and Linda followed Charles and Maria back to their villa.Originally, Andrew had strongly invited Patrick to come back to the Lesser family with him, but Patrick knew that the Lesser family was big and complicated, so he used the excuse of being with Linda and followed Charles.***********On the third day, when Luna returned from Brussels, she went directly to Maria’s place and looked at Linda, her expression becoming more flattering."Linda, I heard that your contract with your previous agency is about to expire, right?"Maria sat next to Linda, holding a big doll in her hands, feeling very angry."Yes, they told me before that if I could achieve good results in the training camp this time, they would sign me for another ten years and give me all the resources. But just when I announced my
Billionaire substitute bride Heart racing
At this moment, Maria had already packed up and left the hotel with Charles, Linda, Andrew, and others.On the way to the airport, Linda still couldn't understand and turned back to Maria, "Ria, as long as the misunderstanding is resolved, we can still stay in the training camp, right?"Of course, Maria knew that if she returned to the training camp now, everyone would treat her like a deity.Just kidding, being able to decide the life and death of their teacher, they would definitely flatter and serve Maria obediently.Maria shook her head, "Actually, I have already achieved my goal. Linda, if you want to go back, you can go back, no need to accompany me.""Hey!"Linda casually waved her hand, "Without you here, why should I go back? Besides, I have hugged your thigh, and you have hugged Master Smith's thigh. Am I still afraid of not being able to reach the pinnacle of the international piano world?"She said it so casually, as if she was joking. But Maria could tell that she still f
Billionaire substitute bride Helpless
Maria, so smart, why couldn't she understand what they meant?She smiled and turned to shout inside the house, "Honey, it turns out they are looking for you." Charles was inside, and he had heard everything at the door clearly. The girls had looked down on him before and said he was weak, but now they all came to beg him with a straight face. It was really funny.He remained silent for a while before saying, "Ria, in our home, I make the major decisions and you make the minor ones. But in my eyes, besides you, nothing else is a major matter. So, you make the decisions."The girls outside, "..."Didn't that mean that Maria would be in charge of everything in the house?They felt a toothache and couldn't believe they were caught off guard by this unexpected situation.Maria shrugged and looked at them again.Originally, they came to apologize to Maria as a pretense, hoping that she would persuade Charles, but now, the initiative was completely in her hands, and they had to lower their
Billionaire substitute bride Forgiveness
Maria was not foolish. Why did her reputation stink so much? Was it only because of the ambiguous relationship between her and Charles at that banquet?Just that one time was not enough to make everyone dislike and envy her.Lucy's face was extremely embarrassed, but at this moment, she had already lost all confidence in front of Maria and could only cry helplessly."Maria, I really know I was wrong. Can you forgive me? Please...""Lucy, your intentions were truly wicked. You even used Rivata as a weapon. Honestly, I admire you for that."Even while saying this, Maria's expression remained calm, her tone as if chatting with a close friend."You, alone, have bewitched the hearts of all the girls in the training camp. You treated others as pawns to sacrifice for your own gain. Wasn't your goal to drive me out of the camp? Congratulations, you achieved your goal. You should be happy, so why are you crying?"When Maria said this, the other girls immediately began pondering.After thinkin
